Where I Stand — Brian Cram: Schools sprouted in ‘80s

Friday, Aug. 13, 1999 | 8:54 a.m.

Editor's note: In August Where I Stand is written by guest columnists. Today's guest is Dr. Brian Cram, superintendent of the Clark County School District. Cram attended Fifth Street Elementary School and Las Vegas High School before earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah and master's and doctorate's degrees from Arizona State University. Superintendent since 1989 Cram plans to retire next year. He reminds readers that while the school district is forever improving its resources, the ultimate resource is parents. FROM WHERE I stand, the past 10 years have been among the most dynamic in Southern Nevada's history. I was appointed superintendent in 1989 and our schools and community have since met some extraordinary challenges, particularly when one considers the growth that has occurred during the course of the decade. A few examples:

* Students -- Since 1989 our enrollment has grown by an average of more than 10,000 children a year, from 111,000 students to 215,000 students.

* Schools -- In 1989 we had 133 schools; this year we'll be operating 236.

* Employees -- In 1989 the district had a work force of 10,000. Today we have more than 20,000.

* Recruiting -- For the past 10 years we've hired an average of 1,100 new teachers a year --last year we hired more than 2,000.

* Computers -- At the end of the '80s, the district had approximately 2,500 computers. By 2000 we project that the district will have roughly 50,000.

* Year-round schools -- In 1989 there were 17; this year 75 elementaries and six middle schools will be on year-round schedules.

* Magnet schools -- Only two were in existence 10 years ago. The district now offers 11 magnet programs in elementary through high schools.

* Building program -- Bonds were passed in 1988, 1994 and 1996 totaling $1.8 billion, to provide for new schools, rehab on existing schools, and increased technology in classrooms. Another bond was passed in 1998 to provide a long-range solution to our facility needs. It is projected to produce another 88 new schools, $854 million in renovations, two new bus yards and $115 million for land acquisition.

* District size -- Ten years ago we were the 17th largest district in the nation; today we rank eighth.

The list of changes and accomplishments -- such as the creation of Area Service Centers, the growth of the School-Community Partnership Program, creation of the Public Education Foundation -- could fill pages and I can only say it has been an honor to be a part of it.

Despite the accomplishments, however, education is a perpetual challenge. Growth has also fostered transiency and an increase in the number of students who have special needs, don't speak English, or come from homes where there is little emphasis on education. At the same time, our curriculum has become more challenging as we are working to improve our graduation rates.

Obviously, relentless emphasis on achievement and acquisition of fundamental skills is imperative if we hope to see stable or rising test scores. We have developed syllabi with accompanying guides for parents and have put in place policies and regulations that mandate their use.

Additionally, we have adapted the curriculum for use in special education, as opposed to using a separate curriculum as the past practice, and I have emphasized basic skill development through proven practices at all levels. We also have made major advances in the development of our magnet programs, honor classes, partnerships with higher education, and our Advanced Placement program. The fact that our curriculum is generated and created at the district level ensures staff involvement and maximum responsiveness in our student population.

Although our dropout rate, like most of the nation's, has been steadily improving for the past four to five decades, the number of students dropping out of school in Clark County is still a serious problem that warrants continued attention. The district has created more alternative programs during the past 10 years, such as COSTAR, Horizon high schools, and more school-to-work opportunities, but it remains apparent that employment, course offerings, and family issues continue to be a factor in school completion rates.

Finally, as I have stated many times, parents are the most important factor in the academic success of children. Regardless of the superintendent, the facility, the principal, the teacher or the materials, your child's success ultimately depends upon you, the parent, and the habits and values nurtured in your home. Children who learn from their parents to respect knowledge, others, and themselves have a world of advantage over children whose parents fail to instill these virtues. As children grow older, these same qualities also help ensure their success in society and the workplace.

As I begin my final year of service as superintendent, I feel humbled to have had such tremendous opportunities in Clark County and am proud of how district staff and the community have met the challenges of the past decade. I offer my congratulations and gratitude to our many outstanding students, dedicated parents, and supportive business community, without whom we could not have met those challenges as readily as we have.